CIEE Reviews

I absolutely loved studying abroad with CIEE Seville: Communications, New Media and Journalism (CNMJ). This program is much smaller than the general Liberal Arts one, which means you really get to know the other students -- I made some really close friends while studying abroad. I was lucky enough to be in Sevilla for the whole school year (2014-15) and could not be more grateful to the CNMJ program for such a life-changing experience.

One of the highlights of this program that makes it stand out from others is the trip to Morocco. In the middle of the semester, the CNMJ staff lead a FREE trip to several cities in Morocco with just the CNMJ students. You stay with host families in the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, giving you the opportunity to be completely immersed in the culture, eat authentic homemade Moroccan food (which is DELICIOUS), build a relationship with a specific family and learn a ton about life there. This was a truly unique experience for which I am incredibly grateful. I will never forget riding the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar as Oscar, the amazing CNMJ Program Director, tells us, "See that land across the water? That's Africa."

CNMJ gave me some great opportunities to expand my communications knowledge and experience. Through Oscar's class, Magazine Reporting and Writing, students write articles for, take photographs for and design a high-quality magazine that is distributed throughout CIEE and various locations in downtown Sevilla. Carlos' class, New Media and Audiovisual Workshop, introduced me to the world of videography and gave me video editing skills that I did not previously have.

Marina's class, Social Justice, Action and Media, was one of the best classes I have ever taken in my life. Not only did we learn about crucial topics centering on human rights, but Marina is an amazing professor and an all-around wonderful person. She cares deeply about each and every one of her students and is interested in their lives -- and, in turn, her students care a lot about her.

I highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in developing their writing/media/general communications skills through high-quality, in-depth classes with small class sizes and wonderful, knowledgeable professors. I am still in touch with the program staff and hope to return to Sevilla in the near future. CIEE is great in general, but I recommend CNMJ in particular for a more intimate and personalized study abroad experience.

Admittedly, Spain was not at the top of my list when it came to selecting a country to study abroad in. I had known that I wanted to be overseas for a year, and with a last minute change in my initial study abroad plan and my degree requirements, I ultimately decided that CIEE's CNMJ Program in Sevilla was the best fit. I could not have been more pleasantly surprised. Sevilla is one of the most precious cities I've ever visited; the laid back atmosphere is contagious, the people are wonderful, and few places have more ideal weather. However, it was also in part due to CNMJ that I felt at home so quickly. The staff cares about your wellbeing, the classes are personal, and the work can be challenging, but not overwhelming. There are tons of options for classes both within CIEE and the university, anything from Spanish linguistics to cooking. I lived with a host family that I adored and still keep in touch with, I made lifelong friends, and I improved my Spanish tremendously. I am someone that values my independence, and CNMJ encouraged this independence while making themselves available for any assistance along the way - including printing a boarding pass on a Sunday at the director's home because no shops were open. It's also worth mentioning that the director wrote me a recommendation which helped me to receive a Fulbright Scholarship upon graduating. I cannot say enough positives about CNMJ. Both during and after the program they have been extremely valuable to me.

I knew I had hit the jackpot when I discovered this program, being that it was in Sevilla (the best city in Spain) and that it spoke of a very creative and involved environment that offered something much more than simply taking classes in a foreign country. What I found when I arrived, was that it would offer even more than I had expected: the courses and the program itself act as the catalyst in helping you discover, learn and love the city and its people. Through the involved classes, such as the audiovisual and magazine workshops, you are forced to immerse yourself into the culture by exploring, talking to the people of Sevilla and telling their stories. And while my love for Sevilla grew, my knowledge and skills for storytelling through media increased exponentially because I was surrounded by such passionate professors and well-designed assignments. While the course work is definitely intense, much more than what's required from students in other programs, it is definitely worth it in all manner of speaking. At times it may seem overwhelming, but for students that are creatively inclined, outgoing and eager to explore, this program is the perfect match.

Studying abroad in Seoul was an absolutely incredible experience. The host university (Yonsei) is one of the top schools in Korea and offers a huge selection of classes in English, so finding courses suited for your major shouldn't be difficult. Seoul itself is a dynamic city where you can experience Korea's rich cultural history and at the same time see some of the most cutting edge technology and development in the world. The people there are so friendly and will often go out of their way to help you if you are lost or have any questions, and the food is fantastic! While living there, you will be able to broaden your understanding of not only Korea, but also the rest of the world. Also, the intensive Korean language classes offered through Yonsei will greatly improve your Korean no matter what level you're starting at.

So why choose CIEE's program?
Studying through CIEE's Seoul program will make your experience in Korea so much more memorable. The program includes multiple trips to places outside of Seoul so that you can experience other parts of Korea too. The program coordinators also organize weekly and monthly events like volunteering and field trips within Seoul, taking you places that most other exchange students don't have the chance to go. These are optional, but taking advantage of these opportunities will help you make the most of your time there.

From the start CIEE feels like a family; you will get to know the other students in your program and make friendships that last even after you return home, and the program coordinators are some of the nicest and most genuinely caring people I have ever met. They really do go above and beyond to make your stay in Seoul great, and are always available to help you whenever you need. Also, CIEE helps you with a lot of the technical parts of moving to a new country: getting a visa, alien registration card, housing, medical, etc. I know some students who did exchange outside of CIEE and had to do all this themselves, and these things could be very difficult for them. With CIEE these issues were never a problem. Basically, CIEE streamlines your whole experience and organizes an extensive program that will provide you with the adventure of a lifetime.
I would highly recommend studying abroad in Korea, and if you do, CIEE is definitely the way to go!

Studying tropical ecology and conservation abroad in Costa Rica was without a doubt the best summer of my life and one of my most meaningful experiences. From my highly knowledgeable, supportive, and engaging teachers, to the beautiful native ecology of Costa Rica, to the delicious food we ate and cultural awareness we came away with, this was an incredible experience. I could not think of a better study abroad program than this one--it's focus on learning in the field, rather in the classroom, made this is a truly once in a lifetime experience that I learned so much from.

My last night in Sevilla I wrote in my journal, “I think I learned how to hold my own and be my own person. I think I am going to return a more confident person who can stand up for her own beliefs and not care as much about what people think because I did make it through this challenging experience. My time abroad has given me the confidence to trust in myself, and for that this experience was beyond worth it.” Maybe that’s why they say you should study abroad or live in another country. It is to gain perspective of yourself and learn how to trust yourself. I won’t lie and say that I didn’t really stumble at some points because I missed home, my own culture and my friends, but as I wrote in an earlier in another journal entry, “If you aren’t uncomfortable at least one time a day, you aren’t growing.” Now putting myself out on a line and possibly embarrassing myself seems so much less intimidating because for the past four months every time I spoke in Spanish there was that possibility. I think it’s good that I don’t take myself so seriously now and am okay with making mistakes and making a fool of myself. I spent a lot of time on my own in Sevilla as well, and so now I feel as though I have learned more how to be alone with my thoughts and do things on my own. I now have a new found confidence in knowing that I went to a foreign country without knowing anyone and still made a community of friends.

My study abroad experience in Seville with the International Business and Culture Program was fantastic. From the moment I arrived in Seville, the CIEE staff team welcomed me, and picked us up from the airport. Next all the study abroad arrivals got onto a coach bus with our CIEE coordinators and they dropped us off at locations where we met with our host families. It was amazing to meet my host family right away. I did not know much Spanish, but it did not matter because my host family guided me throughout the learning process. Fortunately, my host family was incredible and welcoming! They told me right away that English was not to be spoken in the house because I needed to learn Spanish. I enjoyed this challenge and it helped me learn the basics of the language fast. Also, every student in the International Business and Culture had to take a two-week Spanish intensive three hour a day language class! My teacher was outstanding and made learning Spanish exciting and fun. This class allowed me to take three more additional Spanish language classes during the regular semester with ease! Practicing my Spanish with my host family was fun and exciting. I became very close to my host family and they became close with me! I enjoyed eating three delicious meals a day with my Spanish family that my host mom made. I also went to many family birthday parties, and events where I was always introduced as a son or brother, which was fun! I also went on family vacations with my family. I had a memorable time spending time with my family in their beach home in Huelva. I also spent much time exploring Seville with every member of the family! We even had family dinners at their favorite restaurants. I am so fortunate to have another set of parents and siblings in my life, who taught me their culture. Unlike other study abroad programs, this program gave each student an integrative cultural experience where I was able to become a member of a family, while actively taking part in the Andalusia culture. I especially loved Semana Santa and Feria. During Semana Santa, I was able to appreciate the beautiful religious processions that took place in all the streets. I even was able to walk aside one that my host mom and sister participated in! That was my favorite week of my study abroad experience, because I was able to celebrate the Sevillano tradition, while being proud of my own Catholic ideology. Feria, a huge celebration that is celebrated by all sevillanos was also a great time. I took a leap of faith and accepted an invitation to dance to one of the flamenco sevillano dances with my Spanish family and friends. After I indulged in fantastic food and drink that originates within the Feria tradition. My host sister lead me around to each, caseta (tent) which were all adorned as properly as houses. When we hoped to caseta to caseta we were given graciously welcomed and given abundant food and drink. During Semana Santa and Feria, I was introduced to all my brother and sister’s friends! The wonderful part about this program is that each student is fully immersed around the Spanish language. CIEE staff also set up numerous excursions to explore the city of Seville, and other Spanish cities like Cordoba. These excursions were an excellent opportunity to spend time and meet people from other american universities around the nation. One incredible excursion was our fourday trip to Morocco. In Morocco I was exposed to a culture that was totally different from mine. We lived with an Islamic host family who only spoke Arabic. It was a fun and adventurous time. I have developed virtuous friendships with many people from other universities throughout the United States because of this program. Some of my favorite moments abroad were meeting up with these friends to enjoy delicious café con leche, and tapas. Dancing the night away in discotecas, or watching the sunset by Rio de Guadalquivir was breathtaking. Fortunately, I was able to travel to many neighboring European countries because my program did not hold classes on Thursdays adding to the all inclusive experience of exploring the world. I love my host family and the friends that I were able to make abroad. I am so grateful to have had this profound experience, which I will remember for the rest of my life! Sevilla es mi casa!

I wasn't sure of where I wanted to go or what I hoped to get out of my study abroad experience. I only knew I wanted to be in a Spanish speaking country. Honestly, I had to look up Sevilla on a map when I got the call that I would be headed to the CIEE Communications, New Media and Journalism program there.

The faculty and staff where there to help, literally whenever one of their students needed support. They were there to walk me step by step through the grueling process of extending my visa, and late one weekend night when I needed a trip to the hospital. It wasn't all crazy emergencies though. The professors all truly care about each individual and take teaching to mean all the skills of life. From hosting Thanksgiving dinners to talking class projects over tapas, the people in CIEE and their courses extend beyond a classroom. The assignments get students out in the community, seeing the real, local people and interacting with them in an authentic way. It's an awesome resume builder too, but by the end you realize that it's more what you can offer the city than what you're "getting" out of studying abroad. I learned so much about what I wanted after graduation as well.

I already cannot wait to get back, and I'm always free to talk about how wonderful my time was living in Seville, Spain with CIEE.

This was my second time studying abroad, but my first time in a large university setting. I'm a Korean language major and was looking forward to improving my language skill, immersing myself in the culture, and experiencing life abroad. CIEE made life at school effortless. Any problems I had whether it was with school or my visa or creating a bank account the staff were always there to help me. Moreover, the staff became almost like family while I was there. I could always go to them with problems or just to talk. I still converse with my staff from time to time. When looking back on my time abroad, I really think it shaped me as a person. Upon my return, many people asked me "how was Korea?"
This question both frustrated me and made me reflect on my time abroad. It frustrated me because it's virtually impossible to sum up 11 months of my life in an essay, let alone a sentence. However, it also made me reflect on how much I did and experience while abroad and it makes me happy and proud that I can't sum my experience up easily.
For anyone who is thinking about studying abroad through CIEE, my advice would be to just do it. Whether it's to Korea or another country, it may seem scary, but the experiences you have while abroad will make that fear seem silly in the long run.

When I came to Sevilla nearly 3 years ago I was unsure if I would have the ability to adapt and study in a new country comfortably by myself. The CIEE Communications program helped with my transition exponentially. Although the program was small, I met some of the most amazing people and have made lifetime friends. Not only did this program challenge me academically, it also challenged my culturally and socially. The staff is so helpful and you have the opportunity to build lasting relationships even years after your travels. I was very comfortable with the classwork but I was also encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and use the Spanish language outside of the classroom. I think my favorite thing about this program and the classes was that many things were very hands-on. We were able to leave the confines of the classroom and walk around Sevilla to conduct interviews and take video, all with the help of our professors right beside us. We also were given the opportunity to take trips outside of Sevilla (even to Africa!) and each trip was well organized and engaging.

This program was a big reason as to why I returned to Spain for the next two years. This program challenged me to immerse myself into the Spanish culture and in turn I was able to fall in love with it all the same.

Highly recommended!